Separating The Wheat from the Chaff: The Latest DDR2 Modules Tested
PDP Patriot PDC22G4200 XBLK
Many users are unfamiliar with the Patriot DIMMs from PDP. Yet the manufacturer tacks quite a boastful label on its latest DDR2 modules: CL3-2-2-5 at DDR2-533 and CL4-3-3-12 at DDR2-700 - big promises that we simply had to investigate.
And lo and behold: the DIMMs did indeed operate with CL3-2-2-4 timings at DDR2-533 without any grumbling. There is a catch, however. While nearly all mainboards enable faster timings to be selected, they have to be selected manually. Despite a correctly programmed SPD, the Patriot modules only booted up at CL4-2-2-4. Nonetheless, those settings, too, are best in class.
Things get really interesting at DDR2-667 and DDR2-710. Not only did the memory pair handle these two settings with no problems; they could also run at those speeds with CL4-3-3-10 and CL4-3-3-12 timings, respectively - a feat that is thus far unparalleled.
Unlike the other DIMMs in this comparison test, the Patriot modules are not 512 MB sticks, but rather 1 GB per module. The dual-channel kit is therefore not just fast, but also features enough memory for both enthusiasts and professional users.
Stay on the Cutting Edge
Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.